Coping With An Alcoholic's Bender: Strategies For Support

Alcoholism is a persistent medical illness characterized by the compulsive use of alcohol despite the negative consequences. An alcoholic bender is a multiple-day drinking spree during which the person does not eat, gets very little sleep, and consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period, often to the point of intoxication and blackout. Benders can lead to severe physical, mental, emotional, financial, and legal harm, including liver damage, dehydration, depression, anxiety, and impaired decision-making. If you or someone you know is on an alcoholic bender, it is important to seek professional help and take steps toward recovery. Here are some tips on how to deal with an alcoholic on a bender and prevent future episodes.

Recognise the signs of an alcoholic bender

An alcoholic bender refers to a multiple-day drinking spree, typically lasting at least two to three days, during which the person consumes a large amount of alcohol, often to the point of intoxication and blackout. It is not uncommon for a person on a bender to pass out for a short time, only to wake up and resume drinking. Benders can even extend over several weeks or months.

• Tiredness and hangover symptoms: The person may appear tired or hungover due to drinking all night or experiencing the after-effects of heavy drinking.
• Use of mouthwash or hand sanitiser: They may be using these products excessively to mask their breath or body odour and prevent vomiting associated with a hangover.
• Blackouts or memory loss: They may exhibit confusion about their whereabouts or activities, indicating blackouts or memory lapses due to excessive alcohol consumption.
• Unsupported excuses: They may offer unsupported or implausible excuses to justify their behaviour or drinking habits.
• Binge drinking: Benders often involve binge drinking, which is defined as consuming a certain number of drinks in a specific timeframe (e.g., four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a two-hour period).
• Disrupted sleep patterns: The person on a bender may experience sleep disruptions and fatigue due to the impact of alcohol on their sleep cycles.
• Impaired decision-making: Alcohol can affect their ability to make sound decisions, leading to potential risks or negative consequences.
• Mood swings: Alcohol abuse can result in unpredictable mood shifts, affecting their emotional well-being and daily life.
• Negative consequences: Look for signs of negative repercussions in their life, such as missing work or school, social or family issues, financial problems, or legal troubles.

If you or someone you know frequently engages in alcoholic benders, it is important to recognise it as a potential sign of alcohol use disorder or developing alcohol dependence. Seeking professional help or support groups can be crucial steps toward recovery and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

Understand the risks of binge drinking

Binge drinking is a dangerous form of alcohol abuse, defined as consuming four or more drinks in a day for women and five or more for men. Binge drinking raises blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to dangerous levels, impairing judgement and coordination and increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Binge drinking can also lead to alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and overdoses.

The risks of binge drinking are not limited to immediate dangers but also include long-term health consequences. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation of the pancreas and contribute to liver disease and other chronic illnesses. It can also increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, including head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. Binge drinking is also associated with an increased risk of unsafe sexual behaviour, which can lead to sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Binge drinking can also have negative social and personal consequences. It can lead to relationship problems, impact performance at school or work, and increase the risk of being involved in violent or criminal activities. Additionally, binge drinking can affect mental health, contributing to conditions such as depression and anxiety.

The risks of binge drinking are compounded when it occurs over multiple days, which is often referred to as going on a "bender." During a bender, the individual does not give their liver time to recover, leading to a build-up of toxic compounds that can cause inflammation in many organs. A bender can also result in missing work or school, further disrupting the individual's life.

It's important to note that the risks of binge drinking are not limited to those who identify as alcoholics. Even occasional binge drinking can have severe consequences, and drinking any amount of alcohol carries certain risks. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about alcohol consumption and seeking help if drinking patterns become problematic.

Identify triggers and avoid temptations

An alcoholic bender is a period of excessive and prolonged drinking, typically lasting several days or even weeks. It is a destructive behaviour that can cause serious and permanent damage to one's physical and mental health. Benders are often associated with heavy drinking episodes and can lead to severe physical, mental, emotional, financial, and legal harm.

Identifying triggers and avoiding temptations is crucial for preventing and breaking out of an alcoholic bender. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Identify Internal Triggers:

Internal triggers refer to emotions or feelings that arise within an individual, which can push them towards substance use. These can include insecurity in social situations, intense anger or frustration, and feelings of loneliness or isolation. Recognizing these internal triggers is essential for developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Avoid High-Risk Environments:

Certain environments, such as bars or clubs where alcohol is readily available, can act as triggers and lead to cravings and potential relapse. It is important to avoid or limit exposure to such environments, especially during the early stages of recovery.

Distance Yourself from Enabling Individuals:

Spending time with individuals who are associated with past or current substance use can create pressure and temptation to engage in a bender. It is crucial to distance yourself from these individuals, at least until you have established stronger coping mechanisms.

Break Routines:

Certain days of the week or specific times of the day can also serve as triggers. For example, drinking after work to unwind can trigger cravings. Breaking these routines by engaging in sober activities or seeking alternative ways to relax is essential for avoiding temptations.

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care:

Developing healthy coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, journaling, and self-care practices can help individuals manage stress and negative emotions without turning to alcohol. These practices provide individuals with tools to navigate triggers and maintain sobriety.

Seek Professional Help:

While self-help strategies are important, seeking professional support is crucial. Addiction treatment programs, therapy, support groups, and medication (if prescribed) can provide individuals with the necessary tools to overcome triggers and temptations effectively.

Know when to seek medical attention

Alcohol benders can have serious and permanent physical and mental health consequences. It is important to know when to seek medical attention for yourself or a loved one.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the signs of alcohol poisoning and to call emergency services immediately if someone is experiencing them. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Signs of alcohol poisoning include confusion, seizures, slow or irregular breathing (less than eight breaths per minute), blue-tinged skin, low body temperature, and unconsciousness or unresponsiveness.

Secondly, if you or someone you know has been drinking heavily for several days, it is important to seek medical attention. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening in some cases, and medical professionals can provide the necessary treatment and support to avoid negative outcomes. Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous, and medical supervision is advised.

Thirdly, if you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction or are engaging in risky drinking behaviours, it is important to seek professional help. Alcoholism is a treatable, persistent medical illness characterised by compulsive alcohol use despite negative consequences. Treatment options include therapy, inpatient and outpatient rehab, detox programmes, and support groups.

Finally, if you are experiencing any negative physical or mental health symptoms after an alcohol bender, it is important to seek medical attention. Alcohol benders can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, liver damage, depression, anxiety, and impaired decision-making. It is important to address these issues with a medical professional and to take steps to recover and prevent future episodes.

Support the person to seek professional help

Supporting a loved one through their journey towards recovery from alcohol addiction can be challenging. Here are some ways to support them in seeking professional help:

Educate yourself about alcoholism and the recovery process: Understanding the physical and psychological aspects of alcoholism can help you communicate effectively with your loved one and show them that you understand what they are going through. Learn about the different stages of addiction and the specific challenges they may face. Educate yourself on the dangers of alcohol abuse, as well as treatment and rehab methods, so you can provide informed support and guidance.

Offer resources and encourage professional help: Research support group options, mutual-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and treatment programs that may be beneficial. Offer to accompany them to doctor's appointments, group meetings, or counselling sessions. Provide them with resources and encourage them to seek guidance from healthcare professionals specialising in addiction treatment. Remember that overcoming alcoholism is a lifelong journey, and setbacks, such as relapses, are a normal part of the process.

Have open and honest conversations: Approach your loved one with empathy and compassion. Express your concerns about their drinking habits, and let them know that you care about them and want to help. Discuss specific behaviours that have raised red flags, such as missed obligations or erratic behaviour, but avoid blaming or criticising them. It is important to have these conversations when they are sober and have the time and space to talk.

Establish clear boundaries: Setting boundaries is vital for safeguarding yourself and your loved one from the destructive consequences of alcoholism. Communicate your expectations and limits clearly, such as refusing to tolerate verbal or physical abuse or enabling their drinking habits. It is important to remember that setting boundaries does not mean abandoning or rejecting the person struggling with addiction; it means recognising your own limits and protecting your well-being.

Avoid enabling behaviours: Stop any enabling behaviours that may contribute to their drinking problem. This may include cutting off financial support or refraining from drinking around them or asking them to drink with you. By establishing boundaries and expressing your desire to support their sobriety, you can position yourself as a supportive figure in their recovery.

Remember, recovery from alcoholism is a long-term process that requires patience, love, and support. While you cannot do the hard work of overcoming addiction for your loved one, your role is crucial in providing ongoing encouragement and assistance.

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